What is Yoga? An Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

When we hear the word “Yoga”, what comes to mind first? Maybe we see postures, maybe we see hands together in namaste, maybe we imagine an Indian guru seated in meditation atop a mountain. We may think of people we know or people we imagine that practice yoga, we may think of ourselves and our own experiences with it. But what exactly do we think Yoga is? Is it a workout? A meditation? A philosophy? A religion? Is it something that we believe is within our capability or without? Is it a cultural practice or a tradition designated to only a certain group of people? What are the prerequisites to practice Yoga? And of course, what is gained when you do? What is the result of such a thing? Why should Yoga be practiced?

Our mind may wander from question to question, assumption to assumption, and everything we give it time to imagine and believe. A simple question proposed may produce an infinite number of further questions and possible answers. It is this very nature of the mind that Yoga deals with directly, perhaps even indirectly, that has become so deeply integrated with human life, history, and sacred knowledge.

To understand Yoga, we are provided with many tools, the most rudimentary of all being the body and breath, our most basic, physical means to access this knowledge. Yoga is not only a physical practice, however, in fact, the physical aspect (Hatha Yoga) is a more recent development and was designed to help facilitate the real practice of Yoga - the understanding and complete mastery of the mind. The word Yoga by itself refers to Raja Yoga, the mental science.

To further understand Yoga, we are provided with many texts that elaborate on the philosophy, myths, and accumulated knowledge over thousands of years. The primary text of Raja Yoga is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Sutra meaning “thread”, wherein, each Sutra acts as a “thread” of meaning. There are almost 200 Sutras, traditionally divided into four sections: Samadhi Pada - the Portion of Contemplation, which gives the theory of Yoga and descriptions of the most advanced stages of Samadhi ~ contemplation, Sadhana Pada - the Portion on Practice, here is philosophy of a more practical nature, as well as the first five basic steps of the traditional eight limbs of Raja Yoga, Vibhuti Pada - the Portion on Accomplishments, discusses the final three inner steps plus all powers and accomplishments of the faithful practitioner, and finally Kaivalya Pada - the Portion on Absoluteness, which discusses yoga from a more cosmic, philosophical viewpoint.

It is unknown when the “Father of Yoga”, Sri Patanjali, was alive or if he was even a single person or many persons using and teaching under the same title. The Sutras are estimated to have originated sometime between 5,000 BC to 300 AD and were by no means the “invention” of Raja Yoga. Patanjali, for our great benefit, systematized and compiled the already existing ideas and practices, which have allowed for the basis of various types of Yoga and Meditation that exist to this day.

To answer our question, “What is Yoga?”, perhaps there are various paths to take to reach a satisfying answer, of course, the most satisfying of which is through the lived experience. Our mind and body can form their own understandings, very often of a separate nature. In my own experience, I was taught and have heard many times thereafter that the word Yoga means “to yoke”, the yoking of what is separate to become that which is in union, working together for a common purpose, to become one. The Yoga Sutras provide a framework for our mind to conceptualize the “what” and the “why” and, therefore, become an essential key to unlock boundless possibilities in achieving the path of Raja Yoga - complete mastery of the mind.

In following posts, I will present and elaborate on the various Sutras within this ancient text, as a sort of philosophical exploration and discussion about this most beloved and most fascinating practice. Perhaps through this Sutra series, we may discover more personal understanding of what Yoga “is” and continue to answer the questions of our infinitely expansive minds.